The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme has been adopted as a district programme to ensure that all highly motivated and talented secondary students in School District #43 have equal access to the opportunities provided through this internationally renowned programme. This is a district-wide programme that offers a coordinated curriculum from grade 9 through grade 12 for talented and highly-motivated students. IB includes appropriately challenging experiences in an environment of positive stimulation that comes from working within class groupings of similarly motivated and talented students.

The IB curriculum is offered as an integral part of the broad educational programme at Port Moody Secondary. A high degree of flexibility is built into the programme to ensure that students have the opportunity to individually make choices and selections that provide maximum personal benefits.

IB is recognized throughout North America as equivalent to first year university courses. Students who achieve well in IB subjects will generally receive university credit for their efforts.

For Grades 9 and 10:

The IB Foundations offerings include Art, English, French, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science. Each IB Foundations Course will include the material required for the Ministry course, but because of the selected nature of the students, the learning environment will be distinctly different and more emphasis will be placed on higher level skills including analysis, research, writing, problem-solving and working in cooperative groups. The grades in IB and Pre-IB Courses are adjusted to reflect the same achievement levels required for Ministry courses. Prospective I.B. diploma students will be expected to complete the entire set of foundations courses in most cases.

For Grades 11 and 12:

Each IB course will encompass all requirements of the Ministry course. The enriched learning environment will provide the opportunity for much more in-depth study with a continued emphasis on higher level skills.

IB Diploma Student or IB Diploma Courses Student:

Students ideally will choose to complete the entire IB Diploma. This requires completion of 6 IB subjects including : two languages (English & French or another second language), one social science (History, Business Management or Geography), one experimental science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics), Mathematics and one other subject (any one from the previous list or Visual Arts or Film). The IB Diploma also requires the Theory of Knowledge course and the completion of an independent 4000 word research essay, as well as a commitment to creative, active and service endeavours (CAS Programme) throughout grades 11 and 12.

Many students will find that taking only the IB subjects that best meet their personal learning needs and completing other graduation and post secondary requirements in non-IB classes is a preferable alternative to the full IB Diploma. These students are known as IB Diploma Courses students and will be permitted where space is available.

Challenge yourself to become more familiar with the IB Programme. Attend an IB information meeting. Ask questions to ensure that you clearly understand the advantages of IB including the special learning environment possible in IB classes, the academic focus of the programme and the post secondary school benefits. Please phone or email the IB Coordinator at Port Moody Secondary for more information and to ensure that all questions have been answered.